RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS | Cause, Symptoms, Diet, Lab tests and | HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease
that causes inflammation of the joints and may cause inflammation of other
tissues in the body. The immune system
consists of the cells and proteins in our bodies that fight infections. An autoimmune disease occurs when our immune
system doesn’t recognize part of our body and attacks it as if it were an
invader such as a bacteria or virus. In
rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system targets synovial membrane and attacks
it. The synovial membrane is secretes
synovial fluid into the joint. Synovial
fluid is the joint fluid that lubricates and
nourishes the joint. Other tissues can also be targeted by the immune system in rheumatoid arthritis, but the synovium, or synovial membrane, is generally the primary target. When the synovial membrane is attacked, it becomes inflamed (synovitis) and can thicken and erode. As the synovial membrane is destroyed, the synovial fluid fluid is also destroyed because it is not being secreted. The surrounding structures can also become involved leading to the joint deformities that can be seen in rheumatoid arthritis.
nourishes the joint. Other tissues can also be targeted by the immune system in rheumatoid arthritis, but the synovium, or synovial membrane, is generally the primary target. When the synovial membrane is attacked, it becomes inflamed (synovitis) and can thicken and erode. As the synovial membrane is destroyed, the synovial fluid fluid is also destroyed because it is not being secreted. The surrounding structures can also become involved leading to the joint deformities that can be seen in rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating and common disease,
affecting approximately 1% of the population.
Women are affected three times as often as men. The severity and
chronicity of rheumatoid arthritis varies from person to person. Most
people who develop rheumatoid arthritis will do so between the ages of 30 and
60. In general, the earlier those symptoms develop, the more severe the
disease will be.
What
cause RA?
The etiology of rheumatoid arthritis is not fully understood.
Evidence points to a complex interplay between environmental and genetic
factors. In monozygotic twins, there is a more than 30 percent concordance rate
for rheumatoid arthritis development, and 80 percent of whites with rheumatoid
arthritis express the HLA-DR1 or -DR4 subtypes. These and other regions of the
Major Histocompatibility Complex may confer susceptibility to more severe
disease by causing a specific arthrogenic peptide to be presented to CD4+ T
cells.
Risk
factors of RA
Gender, heredity, and genes largely determine a person's risk
of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
Gender — Gender appears to play a major
role in a person's susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis. Women are about
three times more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis.
Heredity — Rheumatoid arthritis is not an
inherited disease. Genes do not cause rheumatoid arthritis, they merely affect
the risk of its development.
Specific
genes — People with
specific variants of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes are more likely to
develop rheumatoid arthritis than people other gene variants.
Initiating
factors — many
individuals who carry HLA genes never develop the condition. Indeed, when one
identical twin has rheumatoid arthritis, the chance that the other will develop
disease is only about 1 in 3. This suggests that additional factors must be
necessary for a person to develop RA.
Infection — Researchers suspect that infection
with bacteria or viruses may be one of the factors that initiate rheumatoid
arthritis. However, at this time, there is no definite evidence linking
infection to rheumatoid arthritis.
Cigarette
smoking — Cigarette
smoking may increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. There is also
some evidence that cigarette smoking increases the likelihood that rheumatoid
arthritis will be severe when it occurs.
Stress — Patients often report episodes of
stress or trauma preceding the onset of their rheumatoid arthritis. Stressful
"life events" (divorce, accidents, grief, etc.) are more common in
people with RA in the six months before their diagnosis compared with the
general population
Symptoms
of RA
Joints
symptoms
The arthritis of joints known as synovitis is inflammation of
the synovial membrane that lines joints and tendon sheaths. Joints become
swollen, tender and warm, and stiffness limits their movement. With time RA
nearly always affects multiple joints (it is a polyarthritis), most commonly
small joints of the hands, feet and cervical spine, but larger joints like the
shoulder and knee can also be involved. Synovitis can lead to tethering of
tissue with loss of movement and erosion of the joint surface causing deformity
and loss of function.
As the pathology progresses the inflammatory activity leads
to tendon tethering and erosion and destruction of the joint surface, which
impairs range of movement and leads to deformity. The fingers may suffer from
almost any deformity depending on which joints are most involved. Medical
students are taught to learn names for specific deformities, such as ulnar deviation,
boutonniere deformity, swan neck deformity and "Z-thumb," but these
are of no more significance to diagnosis or disability than other variants,
since they occur in osteoarthritis as well. "Z-thumb" or
"Z-deformity" consists of hyperextension of the interphalangeal
joint, fixed flexion and subluxation of the metacarpophalangeal joint and gives
a "Z" appearance to the thumb.
Other
symptoms —
Although joint problems are the most commonly known
issues in rheumatoid arthritis, the condition can be associated with a variety
of other problems.
Rheumatoid
nodules — Rheumatoid
nodules are painless lumps that appear beneath the skin. These nodules may move
easily when touched or they may be fixed to deeper tissues. They most often
occur on the underside of the forearm and on the elbow, but they can also occur
on other pressure points, including the back of the head, the base of the
spine, the Achilles tendon, and the tendons of the hand.
Inflammatory
conditions — Rheumatoid
arthritis may produce a variety of other symptoms, depending on which tissues
are inflamed.
- Inflammation
of the tissue lining the chest cavity and surrounding the heart may cause
chest pain and difficulty breathing.
- Inflammation
of the lung that is not due to infection may cause shortness of breath and
a dry cough.
- Abnormal
nerve function may cause numbness, tingling, or weakness.
- Inflammation
of the white part of the eye may cause pain or vision problems.
- Enlargement
of the spleen may cause a fall in the number of white blood cells, which
may lead to infections.
- Sjögren's
syndrome causes dry eyes and dry mouth, which can lead to a gritty feeling
or a sensation of irritating material in the eyes. Mouth dryness may make
it difficult to chew or swallow without drinking something at the same
time. Women may develop vaginal dryness due to Sjögren's syndrome, leading
to pain with sexual intercourse.
- Vasculitis
(inflammation of the blood vessels) may cause a wide variety of symptoms,
depending upon where the inflamed blood vessels are located.
Laboratory
tests
Laboratory tests help to confirm the presence of rheumatoid
arthritis, differentiate it from other conditions, and predict the likely
course of the condition and its response to treatment.
Rheumatoid factor (RF) — An antibody called
rheumatoid factor is present in the blood of 70 to 80 percent of people with
rheumatoid arthritis. However, rheumatoid factor is also found in people with
other types of rheumatic disease and in a small number of healthy individuals.
Anti-citrullinated peptide/protein antibody
test — Blood tests for antibodies to citrullinated peptides/proteins
(ACPA) are more specific than rheumatoid factor for diagnosing rheumatoid
arthritis. Anti-ACPA antibody tests may be positive very early in the course of
disease. The test is positive in most patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Management
of RA
Diet: One of the simplest treatments, and
yet a treatment that has been found to be effective for many people, is
consuming an anti-inflammatory diet. Primarily, this consists of
consuming omega-3 fatty acid containing foods, including small cold water fish,
fruits, and vegetables. See the section on diet and nutrition for more
details.
Weight
loss: As with
other forms of arthritis, if you are overweight then losing weight can make a
large impact on decreasing pain and stiffness in your joints by taking some of
the pressure off of them
Exercise
and rest: Rest
is an important part of treating rheumatoid arthritis. One of the
symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can be fatigue as well as a sense of
generalized malaise. It is important to get adequate rest so that your
body does not get run down, This is true for everyone, but particularly true
for people with rheumatoid arthritis. People with rheumatoid arthritis should
not exercise to the point of exhaustion. Rather, they should take
frequent breaks and rest before they get too tired.
Homeopathy for Rheumatoid Arthritis
You cannot take homeopathic remedy without your homeopath’s
advice. I have listed a number of medicines below which may or may not suit for
you. A single medicine is selected after a complete case taking which is
obtained on analyzing your mental physical and emotional planes. Your diseased side desires and aversions to
particular food, your thirst is important for a good prescription.
Arnica: Useful for chronic arthritis with a feeling of bruising and soreness.
The painful parts feel worse from being moved or touched.
Aurum metallicum: This remedy is often prescribed for wandering pains in the muscles and joints that are better from motion and warmth, and worse at night. The person may experience deep pain in the limbs when trying to sleep. Also may feel discomfort that may wake the person up. People who need this remedy are often serious and focused on work or career, with a tendency to feel depressed.
Aurum metallicum: This remedy is often prescribed for wandering pains in the muscles and joints that are better from motion and warmth, and worse at night. The person may experience deep pain in the limbs when trying to sleep. Also may feel discomfort that may wake the person up. People who need this remedy are often serious and focused on work or career, with a tendency to feel depressed.
Bryonia: Helpful for stiffness and inflammation with tearing or throbbing pain,
made worse by motion. The condition may have developed gradually, and is worse
in cold dry weather. Discomfort is aggravated by being touched or bumped, or
from any movement. Relief can be had from pressure and from rest. The person
may want to stay completely still and not be interfered with. Business minded
People.
Calcarea carbonica: Helpful for deeply aching arthritis involving node formation
around the joints. Inflammation and soreness are worse from cold and dampness,
and problems may be focused on the knees and hands. Common symptoms are:
weakness in the muscles, easy fatigue from exertion, and a feeling of
chilliness or sluggishness. The person who benefits from Calcarea is often
solid and responsible, but tends to become extremely anxious and overwhelmed
when ill or overworked. Timid fatty people with slowness in all their actions.
Causticum: Useful when deformities develop in the joints, in a person with a tendency
toward tendon problems, muscle weakness, and contractures. The hands and
fingers may be most affected, although other joints can also be involved.
Stiffness and pain are worse from being cold, and relief may come with warmth.
The person often feels best in rainy weather and worse when the days are clear
and dry. Causticum people cannot bear injustice.
Calcarea fluorica: Helpful when arthritic pains improve with heat and motion.
Joints become enlarged and hard, and nodes or deformities develop. Arthritis
after chronic injury to joints also responds to Calcarea fluorica.
Dulcamara: Indicated if arthritis flares up during cold damp weather.
The person gets chilled and wet. They are often stout, with a tendency toward
back pain, chronic stiffness in the muscles, and allergies.
Kali bichromicum: This is useful when arthritic pains alternate with asthma or
stomach symptoms. Pains may suddenly come and go, or shift around. Discomfort
and inflammation are aggravated by heat, and worse when the weather is warm.
Anxious about health and restless in sleep.
Kali carbonicum: Arthritis with great stiffness and stitching pains, worse
in the early morning hours and worse from cold and dampness, may respond to
Kali carbonicum. The joints may be becoming thickened or deformed. People who
can benefit from this remedy often have a rigid moral code, and tend to feel
anxiety in the stomach.
Kalmia latiflora: Useful for intense arthritic pain that flares up suddenly.
The problems start in higher joints and extend to lower ones. Pain and
inflammation may begin in the elbows, spreading downward to the wrists and
hands. Discomfort is worse from motion and often worse at night.
Ledum palustre: Arthritis that starts in lower joints and extends to higher
ones are candidate for this remedy. Pain and inflammation often begin in the
toes and spread upward to the ankles and knees. The joints may also make
cracking sounds. Ledum is strongly indicated when swelling is significant and
relieved by cold applications.
Pulsatilla: Applicable when rheumatoid arthritis pain is changeable in
quality, or when the flare-ups move from place to place. The symptoms (and the
person) feel worse from warmth, and better from fresh air and cold
applications. Can benefit people who are emotional and affectionate, sometimes
having teary moods. Affectionate and obstinate with intolerance to fatty food.
It is a right sided remedy with thirstlesness.
Rhododendron: Strongly indicated if swelling and soreness flare up before
a storm, continuing until the weather clears. Cold and dampness aggravate the
symptoms. Discomfort is often worse toward early morning, or after staying
still too long.
Rhus toxicodendron: Useful for rheumatoid arthritis, with pain and stiffness
that is worse in the morning and worse on first motion, but better from
continued movement. Hot baths or showers, and warm applications improve the
stiffness and relieve the pain. The condition is worse in cold, wet weather.
The person may feel extremely restless, unable to find a comfortable position, and
need to keep moving constantly. Continued motion also helps to relieve anxiety.
Ruta graveolens: Arthritis with a feeling of great stiffness and lameness,
worse from cold and damp and worse from exertion, may be helped by ruta
graveolens. Tendons and capsules of the joints can be deeply affected or
damaged. The arthritis may have developed after overuse, from repeated wear and
tear.
source:
www.arthritismd.com
en.wikipedia.org
www.uptodate.com
www.holisticonline.com
source:
www.arthritismd.com
en.wikipedia.org
www.uptodate.com
www.holisticonline.com
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ReplyDeleteSymptoms Of Arthritis
ReplyDeleteI was diagnosed of Parkinson disease in January 2015,then my mom was diagnosed of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and my father was diagnosed of ALS me and my family was so frustrated till one day my father came across a forum where so people was writing about Dr George (Good health herbs home), who sells herbs supplements to cure different kinds of deadly diseases,so me and my family decided to give it a try . We contacted Dr George (Good health herbs home) immediately and purchased herbal supplements for Parkinson Diseases,ALS and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). He sent the herbal supplements to me through courier service and i received it within 2days. i used it as instructed and me and my family was totally cured of Parkinson Diseases,ALS and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) within 5 weeks of usage, all thanks to Dr George (Good health herbs home) God bless.
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ReplyDeleteHOW ME AND MY FAMILY WAS TOTALLY CURED FROM ,PARKINSON DISEASES, RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS(RA) AND ALS.
I was diagnosed of Parkinson disease in January 2015,then my mom was diagnosed of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and my father was diagnosed of ALS me and my family was so frustrated till one day my father came across a forum where so people was writing about Dr George (Good health herbs home), who sells herbs supplements to cure different kinds of deadly diseases,so me and my family decided to give it a try . We contacted Dr George (Good health herbs home) immediately and purchased herbal supplements for Parkinson Diseases,ALS and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). He sent the herbal supplements to me through courier service and i received it within 2days. i used it as instructed and me and my family was totally cured of Parkinson Diseases,ALS and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) within 5 weeks of usage, all thanks to Dr George (Good health herbs home) God bless.
please contact him with the following details below;
info@ goodhealthherbshome .com
drgeorge@ goodhealthherbshome .com
www goodhealthherbshome .com